Legal Help Desk

On November 2, the marriage equality movement suffered a
blow. Well-funded antigay groups succeeded in ousting from
office three well-respected Iowa Supreme Court justices who
were up for what should have been routine retention elections.

Lambda Legal is the leading national legal organization dedicated to achieving full civil rights for LGBT people and people with HIV. Our high-impact cases and educational programs continue to secure new and expanded legal protections and amplify our message about equality.

On September 22, 2010, the Third District Court of Appeal issued a unanimous decision declaring that Florida's law prohibiting gay men and lesbians from adopting children is unconstitutional. See [Florida Dep't of Children and Families v. In re: Matter of Adoption of X.X.G. and N.R.G. (September 22, 2010)]. The State of Florida announced that it will not appeal that decision to the Florida Supreme Court. We have received several questions about what this case means for gay men and lesbians who want to adopt.

Please take note: On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. For information about how this development may potentially affect married same-sex couples' federal taxes, click here.

Every year for two decades, the
National LGBT Bar Association has bestowed
its highest honor, the Dan Bradley Award, on
a member of the LGBT legal community who
has made an outstanding contribution to the
advancement of LGBT rights and those of people
living with HIV.

As a result of vast improvements in HIV treatment, more and more people with HIV are reaching retirement
and enjoying the “golden years” that lie beyond. Sadly, however, some are facing discrimination as they seek
living arrangements and long-term care services suitable for seniors.

More than two decades have elapsed since the first HIV cases were identified in the United States, but the unfortunate reality
is that there is still stigma associated with HIV. Too often, disclosure that a person has HIV wreaks havoc on that person’s
life.